No intervention was given to the fathers in this group according to their order of participation in the study. In the second interview with these fathers, after the data were collected, they were given information and brochures about skin-to-skin contact.

Fathers in this group, in order to participate in the study, were allowed to have skin-to-skin contact with their babies only once and for at least 15 minutes within the first 4 hours after birth, after the mother and baby had skin-to-skin contact after the baby was born and the baby was breastfed. If the father had any questions about skin-to-skin contact, they were given an explanation, and their questions were answered.

Fathers in this group, according to the order of participation in the study, were provided skin-to-skin contact with their babies for at least 15 minutes within the first 4 hours after birth, after which skin-to-skin contact was established between the mother and baby after the baby was born and the baby was breastfed and within the first 4 hours after birth. However, skin-to-skin contact with babies by fathers in this group was repeated at least once a day for at least 15 minutes in the hospital until the baby was discharged. After the mother and baby were discharged, fathers were asked to continue skin-to-skin contact at home for at least 15 minutes at least once a day or at least six days a week. In addition, a brochure prepared in accordance with the literature was given to these fathers.

Fathers are briefed on skin-to-skin: what it is/isn't, why it matters, how to do it, and benefits for father, mother, and baby. Keep the room quiet; close windows to avoid drafts. Do not perform if the father is sleeping. Smokers must not perform while smoking and should do it before smoking when possible. After mother-infant skin-to-skin and breastfeeding, start father-infant contact within four hours of birth. If clothing is unsuitable, provide a surgical gown. Place the diapered infant upright on the father's bare chest. The father supports shoulders and back, maintains eye contact, speaks softly, and touches the baby. Cover both with a blanket; only mother, father, and infant remain, with the researcher silent. Continue at least 15 minutes; end if the father requests care or the infant needs care (diapering, dressing, breastfeeding). Repeat once for the early-contact group and at least daily until discharge for the frequent-contact group; on discharge, remind daily home practice.

Assessed with the Paternal-Infant Attachment Scale (PIAS). The PIAS has 19 items in three subscales and yields a total score from 19 to 95 points; higher scores indicate stronger father-infant bonding. The PIAS is self-reported by fathers at the postpartum assessment.

Subscale of the PIAS; higher scores indicate stronger bonding. Administered at the postpartum assessment.